Congratulations on making it to the next stage of the interview process at BCG!
The Knowledge Analyst role at BCG is unique in that it involves specialized industry or functional knowledge to support various case teams and practice areas. The interview process does have some similarities with the traditional consulting track, but there are distinct differences as well, particularly at this stage.
Here's a structured breakdown of what you can expect:
Expertise Interview: Given that this is an expertise interview, the focus will primarily be on your depth of knowledge in the specific area related to the role you've applied for. Be prepared to discuss your experiences, insights, and thought processes that demonstrate your expertise. This could include discussing projects you've worked on, problems you've solved, or trends you've identified in your area of specialization. It's important to not only demonstrate your knowledge but also your ability to apply this knowledge to business problems.
Case Interview: If you pass the expertise interview, the next step will be a case interview. While this is common in the consulting track, for the Knowledge Analyst role, the cases you get might be more tailored towards your area of expertise. The fundamental structure of the case interview would remain the same - problem identification, structuring the problem, analysis, and recommendation. So, practicing general case interviews would still be beneficial.
Difference from Consulting Interviews: The primary difference lies in the focus of the interviews. While consulting interviews at BCG are heavily centered around the case interview and your problem-solving abilities, for the Knowledge Analyst role, there is an added emphasis on your specific expertise area. Additionally, the fit or behavioral part might be more focused on your ability to work with consulting teams, handle multiple requests, and manage knowledge resources.
Preparation Tips: Review your area of expertise thoroughly. Be prepared to talk about industry trends, major players, and recent developments. Brush up on your problem-solving and case interview skills, and practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
Remember, the interviewer is not just assessing your knowledge but also your ability to leverage that knowledge to solve business problems. Good luck with your interview!